Unlocking College Dreams: Understanding the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship Requirements
The New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship is a beacon of hope for many students in the state, opening doors to higher education that might otherwise remain closed. Funded by lottery ticket sales, this scholarship aims to make college accessible to New Mexico residents seeking to improve their lives through education. The intention of the Lottery and Opportunity scholarships is to ensure that eligible students do not have to pay for tuition or eligible fees out of (their own) pocket. It opens the door to new generations of New Mexicans to obtain a college education which otherwise might not have been possible. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the scholarship, covering eligibility requirements, how to apply (or rather, how eligibility is determined), maintaining the scholarship, and what to do if you encounter challenges along the way.
Who is Eligible for the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship?
The New Mexico Lottery Scholarship is available to New Mexico residents who are pursuing higher education at a public college or university within the state. Several criteria must be met to qualify for this financial aid opportunity.
To be eligible for the Lottery Scholarship, students must:
- Be a New Mexico resident. Generally, you will need to live in New Mexico for a full year (12 consecutive months). You may also qualify as a resident if you live out of state but are a member of an American Indian Nation, Tribe, or Pueblo located wholly or partially in New Mexico.
- Enroll full time at a New Mexico public college or university within 16 months of high school graduation, or completion of a high school equivalency or home school certificate. Immediately enroll in postsecondary after receipt of a high school diploma from an accredited New Mexico high school or GED.
- Maintain first-time degree-seeking student status.
- There is no application required for the Lottery Scholarship. If you meet the eligibility criteria, the Scholarship will be awarded. Public colleges and universities in New Mexico automatically award the Lottery Scholarship to students who are eligible when they enroll and register for classes, so there is no separate scholarship application to fill out.
The Qualifying Semester
The first semester a student attends a college or university full-time, is considered their Initial “Qualifying Semester” for the Lottery scholarship. The first regular term of full-time attendance within 15 months following high school graduation or receipt of a high school equivalency credential requirements is the Qualifying Term. Students will not be awarded or receive Lottery Scholarship Funds until their second semester of full-time enrollment begins and only if they have met all initial qualifying semester eligibility requirements. As a recent high school graduate, you will establish eligibility for the Lottery Scholarship during your first semester of full-time enrollment.
During this initial "Qualifying Semester," students must:
Read also: Navigating UNM
- Successfully complete at least twelve credit hours with a semester GPA of 2.5 or better in the first term of college, the Qualifying Semester. Complete at least 12 credit hours in the Qualifying Term at CNM.
- Earn a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5 in the Qualifying Term. Students must complete at least one traditional letter grade class to establish their GPA in the Qualifying Term. GPA is calculated on grades earned in all classes 1000 or higher with traditional letter grades.
Understanding GPA Calculation
It's crucial to understand how your Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated, as it directly impacts your eligibility for and continuation of the Lottery Scholarship. Grade Point Average (GPA) is the average of traditional letter grades, A, B, C, D, F and WF. The grade of CR counts towards total credit hours completed but does not affect GPA. Grades of F, NC, I, W, WP, WF and Audit do NOT count towards total credit hours completed but may negatively impact GPA. Cumulative GPA is the average of all traditional letter grades, A, B, C, D, and F. Credits completed with a grade of CR will be counted only in the total number of credit hours earned and will not establish or affect GPA.
Maintaining Eligibility for Continued Funding
The Lottery Scholarship isn't just a one-time award; it can continue to support your education throughout your degree program, provided you maintain eligibility.
To maintain eligibility, students must:
- Student MUST successfully complete 30 credits hours per academic year (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Must be enrolled full-time. Complete at least 12 credit hours in the Qualifying Term at CNM.
- Achieve and maintain a 2.5 grade point average (GPA). Cumulative GPA is the average of all traditional letter grades, A, B, C, D, and F. Credits completed with a grade of CR will be counted only in the total number of credit hours earned and will not establish or affect GPA.
- Maintain full-time enrollment every fall and spring semesters. Students can maintain full time enrollment by taking classes at multiple public New Mexico secondary educational institutions.
Branch Campus Students
Branch Campus students need to complete at least 9 credit hours in each consecutive fall and spring terms while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. A branch campus student MUST complete 24 credit hours by the end of the academic year, summer can be used to help meet the credit requirement.
Duration of the Scholarship
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university who continue to meet eligibility requirements can receive the scholarship up to seven regular semesters and 3 summer semesters or when they complete their first bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first. Eligibility can be maintained for up to 3 terms at CNM by completing at least 24 credit hours within the academic year and maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. Students attending a community college can receive the Lottery Scholarship for up to three semesters. At CNM, a recipient may be awarded Lottery until they receive three (3) terms or an associate’s degree whichever comes first.
Read also: Paying for UNM
Summer Enrollment
Funding can be provided for 3 - 9 credit hours to any eligible student how enrolls in summer semester. May enroll in 3-9 credits during summer. Summer is optional, unless attendance is required to MAINTAIN eligibility or as part of accelerated program. The scholarship can be awarded for summer semesters if student requires to make up credit hours. A student MUST complete 30 credit hours by the end of the academic year, summer can be used to help meet the credit hour requirement.
Understanding the Financial Aspects
The Legislative Lottery Scholarship will be awarded for the second semester of attendance to students who have met all the eligibility requirements during their “Qualifying” Semester. The Lottery covers a portion of tuition up to the maximum award which is determined by the New Mexico State Legislature. The Lottery Scholarship pays for 100% of tuition. The Lottery Scholarship pays up to $4,252 of tuition per semester for the 2024/2025 academic year - it does NOT cover mandatory student fees or course fees. The intention of the Lottery and Opportunity scholarships is to ensure that eligible students do not have to pay for tuition or eligible fees out of (their own) pocket.
Relationship with Other Scholarships
Students who are establishing eligibility for the Lottery Scholarship in their first semester may be eligible to have their first semester tuition paid for through bridge scholarships provided by their college or university, through the Opportunity Scholarship, or a combination of these.
What Happens If You Don't Meet the Requirements?
It is possible the student may lose eligibility. Students will automatically lose the Lottery Scholarship if renewal requirements are not met. If ALL the above requirements are NOT met a student is NOT eligible to receive the New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship. If you lose or suspect you are about to lose eligibility for the Lottery Scholarship for an exceptional circumstance, you should contact your financial aid officer right away to let them know about your situation.
Regaining Eligibility
It is possible the student may lose eligibility. If a student has not met the eligibility requirements, they may submit a petition for a probationary semester. Students that are granted a probationary semester to re-establish eligibility may receive funding during the probationary semester. All probationary semester determinations made by the institution are final. Students that are granted a probationary semester to re-establish eligibility may receive funding during the probationary semester. All probationary semester determinations made by the institution are final.
Read also: Guide to Mexican Universities
Students can also re-establish eligibility if an exceptional mitigating circumstance which precluded the student from completing the requirements exists. Only exceptional mitigating circumstances that are beyond the student's control and precluded the student from meeting the requirements during their Qualifying Semester can be considered and will require the submission of a Scholarship Petition with supporting documentation. To do so, students MUST submit a Scholarship Petition with a personal statement explaining the mitigating circumstance. Supporting documentation must also be submitted.
If a student is NOT registered full time by the end of the 3rd week of classes, the student forfeits eligibility for the Lottery Scholarship and can no longer receive Lottery funding. Any disbursements after the add/drop period for the applicable term, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
If you do not meet the scholarship eligibility requirements; we encourage you to contact the Financial Aid Office at your college or university to explore other options based on your student file. Your college or university should also be able to provide information about institutional scholarships, private scholarships, or other state aid.
Financial Aid Appeal Form
If an appeal is submitted AND approved, the student will be put on probation for the following semester of enrollment. To submit an appeal, fill out the Financial Aid Appeal Form. In addition to the Appeal Form, you will need to submit a separate typed, supporting document explaining the circumstances that prevented you from meeting the renewal requirements, along with any additional documentation that supports the explanation.
Leave of Absence
Previously qualified students may be approved for a leave of absence for cooperative education, military obligations, participation in a study abroad program, or other exceptional mitigating circumstance. A Petition for Leave of Absence with supporting documentation must be submitted to UNM’s Student Financial Aid Office for consideration.
Special Circumstances
The Lottery Scholarship program recognizes that students may encounter unique challenges during their academic journey.
Students with Disabilities
Students with qualified disabilities who are registered with UNM’s Accessibility Resource Center may be approved to attend part time up to 14 terms. You may be eligible to receive the scholarship with a reduced credit hour requirement if you document your disability with the Student Services Office at your college or university. Students with disabilities may require special accommodations and are encouraged to consult with NMSU's Disability Access Services in order to receive the accommodations deemed reasonable and appropriate based on the student's needs. All other Lottery requirements remain the same.
Students with a qualified disability who are registered with Accessibility Services may be approved to attend and complete a reduced number of credits (6-11 credits) for up to seven terms at CNM, one additional term for each term that a Full Time Waiver is used. If a reduced number of credits is determined appropriate, a new waiver is required each term and must be on file within 30 days of the start of the term.
Consortium Agreements
Students can maintain full time enrollment by taking classes at multiple public New Mexico secondary educational institutions. The Lottery Scholarship will be adjusted to pay tuition accrued at UNM and tuition accrued at the host school. To mix enrollment between schools, students MUST complete the Consortium Agreement Form and submit it to the Student Financial Aid Office.
Deadlines
These must be submitted by end of the third week of the semester:
- Accessibility Resource Center waivers
- Scholarship Petition
- Consortium Agreements
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
The State of New Mexico is offering the NM Lottery and NM Opportunity Scholarships to New Mexico Residents seeking an advanced degree or professional certificate. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not required to receive state scholarships. Eligibility for state financial aid programs and eligibility for federal financial aid programs are considered separately.
Students enrolled in certain for-credit workforce certificate programs qualify for the Opportunity Scholarship. You can use the Opportunity Scholarship to pursue a for-credit trade certificate at a public New Mexico community college. All participating community colleges offer eligible for-credit trade education programs. Department-approved workforce certificate programs include careers in high-need fields including healthcare, education, STEM, and technical trades. Check with your school to see if your program is eligible.
tags: #new #mexico #lottery #scholarship #requirements
